New Nepal PM Sushila Karki Appoints Three Ministers In Interim Government, Swearing-In Today

Nepal’s Prime Minister Sushila Karki appointed three ministers to her interim cabinet on Sunday (14 September) and scheduled their swearing-in ceremony for today (15 September), reported CNBC TV18.

Karki named Rameshore Khanal as finance minister, Om Prakash Aryal as home minister, and Kulman Ghising as energy minister, according to The Kathmandu Post.

Ghising, former executive director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, will also oversee the Ministries of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development. Khanal earlier served as Nepal’s finance secretary, while Aryal is a senior advocate.

Karki assumed office on Friday (12 September) after President Ram Chandra Poudel appointed her to lead an interim government following the ouster of former PM KP Sharma Oli.

Widespread protests, led by the country’s youth against the social media ban and corruption in government, forced Oli’s resignation.

An aide close to Karki said she deliberately appointed finance and home ministers first to “restore normalcy, instill hope among various stakeholders, including the business community, and give the public a sense of relief. That is why she picked some of the best people with proven professional integrity.”

Karki has decided to keep her cabinet limited to 15 members and has already begun consultations for the remaining positions.

After taking charge, she vowed to bring those involved in protest-related violence to justice. “The kind of arson and vandalism that has taken place is a criminal act. This was carried out in an organised manner. Those responsible must be punished,” she told PTI.

She added that the 9 September arson and vandalism were “pre-planned” and clarified that Gen-Z protesters did not carry out such acts.

The protests left at least 72 people dead, including 59 protesters, 10 prisoners, and three policemen, Chief Secretary Aryal confirmed.

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Also Read: Nepal's Interim PM Sushila Karki Vows To Serve, Not Cling To Power; Cabinet Formation Expected Soon